What to Look for in a Behavior Analyst

Working with a knowledgeable and compassionate behavior analyst can significantly benefit individuals with autism. Here are some key considerations for finding an ethical, competent, and effective behavior analyst, now with updated information on licensing requirements.

Licensure

The Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Act requires a license to practice behavior analysis in New Jersey and includes a few exemptions. Most behavior analysts will be licensed as either a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LBA) or a Licensed Assistant Applied Behavior Analyst (LaBA). This law also established the State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to regulate the professional practice of behavior analysis and protect the public.

Certification

One of the main requirements to become licensed is certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). BACB certifications include:

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D)
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)

To be certified, behavior analysts must complete approved coursework, practice under supervision and pass a BACB certification examination. The BCBA-D and BCBA certifications require graduate-level coursework and doctoral and master’s degrees, respectively, while the BCaBA certification requires undergraduate coursework and a bachelor’s degree.

Behavior analysts are also expected to have extensive training in implementing a variety of assessments, interventions, and quality assurance methods.

Specific Competencies

Here are some considerations that can help you identify a competent behavior analyst:

• Observation and Interaction: A behavior analyst spends time with the and all key members of their support team to understand the learner’s preferences and skills as well as the team’s values and goals.
• Repeated Observation: Behavior analysts observe the learner multiple times in different contexts to understand what the learner can do independently versus what may require support and intervention.
• Objective Assessment: Behavior analysts conduct thorough, evidence-based assessments to accurately capture the learner’s needs.
• Individualized Intervention: Behavior analysts design and oversee interventions that are meaningful, safe, and individualized, ensuring they are feasible for the team implementing the procedures.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Behavior analysts routinely review data to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
• Adherence to Ethical Standards: Behavior analysts follow the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts set forth by the BACB.

Meeting Your Specific Needs

Applied behavior analysis has various applications, and it’s important to choose a behavior analyst with specific experience relevant to the learner’s needs, such as experience with autism, adults, or severe challenging behavior. The behavior analyst should be transparent about their experience and open to making referrals if the learner’s needs require expertise beyond their scope.

 Additional Resources

To find licensed behavior analysts in your area, visit the following resources:

• NJ Division of Consumer Affairs license verification
• BACB certificant verification
• Find a BACB certificant
• Autism New Jersey’s referral database

For more information, contact Autism New Jersey’s 800.4.AUTISM Helpline or information@autismnj.org.

The purpose of the Board is to:

• protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of New Jersey;
• regulate the practice of applied behavior analysis; and
• take action against the unprofessional, improper, unauthorized or unqualified practice of applied behavior analysis and guard against unprofessional conduct by the licensed individuals who practice applied behavior analysis.

The Board protects the public by:

• making sure all applied behavior analysts and assistant applied behavior analysts meet the requirements set by statute;
• investigating and prosecuting applied behavior analysts and assistant applied behavior analysts who break the State’s consumer protection laws; and
• requiring all applied behavior analysts and assistant applied behavior analysts to be licensed and to renew their licenses biennially.